The Will to Power
June 14, 2006
by: Silver Nightingale
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The thing that happened a moment ago, was it an illusion? No, it can't be, can it? It felt so real but how could that possibly be? There has to be a logical explanation for all this, right? Perhaps she was merely thinking too hard about it. Then again, was she really? It wasn't as if such a thing normally just happened to everyone, right? Right? So if that were the case then she had the liberty to be perplexed, correct? But why was it that she felt that she was not supposed to be confused by it, that what she experienced was simply natural for her, and that there was a meaning behind it that only she could hope to grasp?
"...Chief!"
Shion's brain swam in turmoil and she could do nothing more than to stare blankly at her hand. She recalled the way she touched the mysterious monolith. It felt exactly like grasping air but why was it that there was this odd feeling that enveloped the tip of her fingers?
"Chief?"
The engineer went on, her pace steady. She understood none of this. Maybe it would be best if she shoved that moment at the back of her mind for now.
"Chief!"
Emerald eyes widened as Shion turned to see--"Allen..!"
The male assistant stopped his slow jog once he caught up with her. "What do you mean, 'Allen!' Don't act so surprised. Didn't you forget something important?" He then showed her KOS-MOS' data sheets. "You know, it's dangerous wandering around in a daze like that."
"Yeah... sorry," Shion said as she resumed her walk. "I was just thinking about something..."
Allen trailed after her. "Are you all right?" He worriedly asked after he saw her stiffen and peek behind her shoulder.
"Huh? Yeah... Oh I'm just not myself today." Shion's tone was mildly upset.
Oblivious to the fact that a pair of amethyst eyes was silently watching them, the two continued on.
"Allen..." Shion broke the short moment of silence that lingered between them as a thought entered her mind. "Thanks for stepping in back there."
"Ah, no, I should've spoken to the new guy earlier. So you don't need to thank me." After a moment of hesitation, Allen then decided to push his luck and shared a few more of his thoughts. "But it would really help if you would try to understand their feelings more. I know everyone's still a little uneasy about KOS-MOS, but they've been pouring their hearts and souls into this project. They all want to see with their own eyes the end result of what they've been working so hard to complete. I feel the same way myself, you know?"
"I know that," Shion lowered her head as she halted her steps. "It's just that I..."
Allen's voice lowered to a whisper, "Chief... That incident, right..?"
"Huh? Oh... I see... you're..."
"Hmm?"
"Sorry. That's... not... quite... it." Shion then raised both of her hands in dismissal. "Forget about it. It's nothing. Let's just hurry up and get KOS-MOS completed, okay?" The engineer then felt something vibrate within her coat pocket, signaling that she had just received mail. "Oh..." she exclaimed as she brought it up and opened the holographic monitor, "who could that be?"
Allen read the message together with Shion. "More Realian maintenance? They really should stop calling you all the time. Technically, it's a violation of regulations for you to deal with other divisions." He frowned, "Besides, aren't they expecting you on the bridge?"
"Oh, don't worry about it. I don't want to brush them off." Shion offered a smile to her assistant. "Besides, it's on the way, and I've got some time. See ya!" She sprinted off.
"Oh..? ...Duh!" Allen smacked his forehead. "I forgot to ask her out after work." His form slumped forward as he dejectedly trekked back to the lab.
After a quick visit to her quarters to retrieve the needed service data, Shion headed on to the Realian Maintenance Laboratory. "Hello!" She called out with a ready grin spread on her face. "You rang?"
"My apologies, Ms. Uzuki!" A middle-aged man, Lieutenant Caspase, promptly responded. "It seems we're constantly in need of your help."
"No problem, Lieutenant. I want everyone to be healthy and happy too, after all." Shion positioned herself near the man. "So... what's the problem today?"
"Well..." Caspase scratched his chin. "I'm trying to teach them some new battle algorithms to better reflect the unit's reorg, but the integration is not going smoothly." He motioned to his computer terminal.
Shion inspected the monitor, "You're right. He's rejecting the data." She scanned the room. "Let's see, I just need to check the Realians lying on the maintenance beds, right?"
Caspase nodded, "Yes, thank you for your help."
With practiced patience, Shion began the arduous task before her. She explained the nature and reason of the data that was to be administered to the Realians. Her words were precise yet carefully chosen to provide the best enlightenment to the newly produced artificial humans. After a fair amount of time, the Realians' anxiety gradually dissolved and finally, they accepted the data upload.
"Well, I've made some adjustments, but please contact Third Division once we return." Shion stated. "I recommend they receive more intensive counseling soon."
"I'll be sure to do so," Caspase replied in appreciation. "You know, I'm really impressed... Providing Realian psych support on top of developing KOS-MOS. I hear even specialized counselors have a hard time..."
"Oh, I'm just making the most of what my mentor taught me. I'm glad I could be of help. Besides, I always wanted to work in the Third Division..." She thought for a few seconds, "Actually, I'm thinking about requesting a transfer once my current work's finished."
Caspase was stunned, "But Vector's First R&D Division has the best researchers in the organization! Everyone knows not just anyone can get in there. Are you sure that you want to transfer?"
Shion nearly laughed, "Oh, yes. Besides, my family's always asking, 'How did you get assigned to the First Division? There must've been a mistake in the paperwork...' Who knows, maybe they're right." She stepped closer to one of the maintenance beds and studied a Realian. "Besides... I want to learn so much more about them."
"What's learning about them going to do for you?" Someone nastily retorted.
"Lieutenant Virgil!" Caspase's face contorted in anger as he glared daggers at the blonde newcomer.
Virgil paid no attention to the man and advanced to the Realian Shion was studying. He leaned close to the Realian's chest and inhaled deeply, "Their stench..."
Shion recoiled, "What?"
"It reeks," Virgil sneered. "I can't get their rotten odor out of my system. Can't you smell it?" He raised his head and made contact with Shion's eyes. "It makes me sick to my stomach."
"Huh? What are you..." Shion's sentence faltered as a gasp escaped her lips at the sight of a peculiar scar that trailed down on the right side of Virgil's face.
"That's enough!" Caspase abruptly snapped. "You got your orders from the Lieutenant Commander, didn't you? One of the goals of this operation is to enhance combat support between the AGWS and the new-model Realians! And yet you're..." Both of his hands tightened into fists that were, by now, shaking in suppressed rage.
"Support? Ha!" Virgil spat venomously. "In a battle against them, the last thing I want to worry about is supporting a bunch of untested Weapons-Grade Realians!"
"Umm... Excuse me," Shion could not help but intervene, "but these people are highly qualified soldiers."
"These people!" Virgil incredulously remarked. "You're treating equipment like people?"
"You really shouldn't say things like that," Shion responded, obviously riled. "These people have the same intellect and emotions as us. And the Miltia Charter clearly spelled out the basic human rights of Realians when it was ratified in 4763."
"What a load of crap... Get off your soapbox!" Virgil all but rolled his eyes. "You act noble and preach about humanity, but in the end, they're just equipment as far as your company's concerned." He brought a hand up, which caused light from above to reflect on his bangle. "Or maybe... more like merchandise..."
"We don't treat them anything like equipment or merchandise!" Shion heatedly countered.
"Then why do you categorize them as Weapons-Grade Realians? How much more evidence do you need than that?" Virgil coolly retaliated. "Whatever you care to call them, they're nothing but tools of warfare. Besides, I know your little secret." He neared Shion with a malicious smirk, "You guys have an emergency override code to control them. Don't you?"
Shion gasped in disbelief. How could he possibly know such classified information? She didn't even feel Virgil's hand on her shoulder as it offered mock comfort.
Caspase clenched his teeth, "Virgil! Why are you..?"
A Realian then approached the scene, which made Virgil pull back. "Wh-what do you want?" The Lieutenant questioned with narrowed eyes as he swiftly hid his unease.
"It is as you say, Sir." The Realian expressed in an impartial tone. "We are manufactured as merchandise, and raised accordingly. However, I take pride in what I do now. And this pride was not forced upon me. It is of my own free will."
Virgil felt his legs weaken in revulsion and was forced to drop to a kneel. His hands flew to his mouth as nausea threatened to overcome his senses. "...Free will, huh..." The man scoffed as soon as he recovered. "Well, good for you. You'd better just enjoy it while you can. The time'll come soon enough when you'll realize what's going on. Just you wait..." His words ominously hang as he stood to his feet and exited the lab.
"Is he... a DME addict?" Shion murmured to herself in distaste as she watched Virgil's retreating form.
"My apologies, Ms. Uzuki." Caspase spoke in frustration. "He wasn't always like that, but then... something... happened." His eyes turned downcast.
"Is he," Shion turned back to the head of Realian maintenance, "an old acquaintance?"
"We were classmates at the military academy. And I've been stuck with him since then." Caspase sullenly related. Hesitation flickered through his eyes before he continued, "...It was Miltia."
Sudden understanding dawned Shion, "I see... So... that's why."
"You know about that, huh? Then again, anyone planning to join the Third Division would know."
"Well, I... I'm from Miltia."
"Huh?"
"Of course, no one's allowed to go there anymore... My family moved to Second Miltia when they transferred the capital after the war... And my brother still lives there alone..." Shion elaborated despite the ache that stirred within her heart.
"Oh, I see..." Caspase guiltily mumbled. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring back painful memories."
"Oh, it's all right." Shion smiled. "After all, it's something we must never forget about. For our sake, and theirs as well," she ended with a sidelong glance to a nearby Realian.
Suddenly, her Connection Gear vibrated which made Shion's eyes widen in panic, "Oh no! I forgot I had to report to the bridge!" She shifted her frantic gaze from Caspase to the door. "Sorry, I'll come back to check on them later! Bye!" With that, she hastily rushed on out of the maintenance lab, leaving a rather befuddled Lieutenant behind.
Shion hoped that Caspase didn't mind her abrupt depart in spite of the rather serious topic they discussed. Although, she guessed the interruption had been for the best. Miltia was one of the topics she rarely desired to talk about. It simply brought back a number of memories that, if given the choice, she would rather leave untouched.
With a deep breath, Shion allowed her mind to clear. She then recklessly sprinted through the length of the corridor. She turned sharply around a corner and nearly bumped into a pair of people who were engrossed in idle conversation. Her face flushed as she raced on regardless of their protests, unable to even offer an apology due to her rapid pace.
"Hi, Shion!" a familiar voice greeted her. "You're looking cute as usual."
The engineer stopped in her tracks as she almost collided against one of the many metallic obstacles scattered throughout the floor. She originally intended to pretend that she never heard the call but the situation made her do otherwise. How was she able to reach the bridge now? With a tired sigh, she spun to see the person who grabbed her attention. Her expression brightened as she faced one of the Woglinde's utility men, "Hello, Mr. Holgar!" Perhaps he would be able to help.
"Hey now, quit with the formalities." the man playfully reprimanded. "Call me 'Mr. Driller'!" Holgar pointed to himself with an overly proud look in his face.
"D-Driller... did you say?" Shion warily confirmed.
During the first time she met the man, she already knew that he was one of the odder people on board the ship. Still, she found that even with his nutty exterior, he was friendly and very dedicated to his job.
"I'm really skilled at using the drill crane. So much so, I wish the Drill Council would acknowledge it!" Holgar ranted, not noticing Shion's growing impatience. "Of course, Susumu Hori and I are equals when it comes to drilling. Don't ever confuse me for a run-of-the-mill drill worker!"
"Umm..." Shion began. "Mr. Holgar?"
"..."
Shion knitted her brows, "Mr. Hol..." She blinked. Oh, right... "I mean, Mr. Driller?"
"What is it Shion?" Holgar broadly grinned.
The engineer let out a nervous giggle, "I have to get going."
"Bah, that doesn't matter at all right now. A clumsy worker caused an accident, and they can't work because the wreckage is in the way. That's where my drill crane and I come in. But even with an awesome driller like me, this is one heckuva job for just one guy! It's tough! Real tough for just one guy!" Holgar exaggeratedly exclaimed before excitedly gazing at his female companion. "That's where you, my cute little Shion, come into the picture! You've answered my drill call! Am I right? I'm right, aren't I? You'll do it, won't you! You'll help my noble cause, won't you!"
Shion gave an awkward laugh. What did she have to lose? "Um, Mr. Hol... Mr. Driller? I'll give it a try, but I may not be able to appreciate drilling like you do."
"Yeah? You'll take over my drill then!" Holgar raved enthusiastically. "Okay. First I'll teach you how to operate the drill crane. Listen closely, operating a drill is not about reflexes or clever techniques. It's all about heart and the soul within. Passion for your drill will allow you to operate the drill as you wish!"
Boy, he's really gone off the deep end... Shion could not help but shake her head in slight pity as Holgar proceeded to instruct her on the basics of the drill crane, all the while gesturing animatedly.
"Well, what do you think? Simple, right?"
"Hmm... I think I get it... sort of..."
Holgar relinquished the controls to her and signaled for her to go on and try her luck. With a grateful nod, Shion set the crane in motion and drilled through the troubling obstacles. It wasn't as complicated as it first seemed. And in no time at all, the area was cleared.
"Phew... Looks like I finally got it done." Shion surveyed the empty path with delight.
"Not too shabby! I knew you had a passion for drillin', Shion." Holgar clapped. "Never giving up, even when you miss. That's the most important quality in a driller."
Shion felt herself redden despite herself, "Uh, umm... well, thanks." She smiled at the man as she went on towards the door at the far end of the hallway. With a small wave, which Holgar earnestly returned, Shion vanished behind the closing door.
As she entered the elevator leading up the bridge, Shion's heart pounded inside her chest. She certainly hoped that her tardiness would not offend the Captain. A small while later, she had reached the top. Shion swallowed her nervousness and diligently walked up to the man, "Please excuse me for being late."
Moriyama welcomed her with a pleasant look on his face, "Don't worry about it. Now that you're here, can you please show us KOS-MOS' data?"
"Yes, Sir. Right away." Shion dutifully complied as she handed the various data to Moriyama. She then inserted one of the data sheets in the main terminal and a projected image of KOS-MOS' main structure and statistics appeared on the monitor.
Commander Cherenkov studied the presentation thoroughly with a neutral expression, "I see. I understand the basic specs." He continued to roam his sight, "So, where's the actual field data?"
Shion's heart nearly skipped a beat. She knew that they were going to demand to see that precise data and she had already readied herself to be interrogated but still, she could not help but feel unnerved. She pushed her glasses up her nose, "Well, it's not quite ready... All I can provide today is up to A-7."
"So you don't have it?" Cherenkov inquired in a flat tone that made the question seem more like a statement.
"Well..." Shion inwardly frowned. "We'll begin testing with a mock-up unit very soon, but the system is still a little unstable, and..."
"Aren't you just making excuses?" Cherenkov retorted. "Listen, Chief Uzuki. Why do you think you're on this ship? Think about that for a moment." The Commander paced away from the terminal, his steps cool and precise. "The fleet may be newly outfitted, but it was assembled under major time constraints. And we have AGWS units, but the 100-Series Observational Units that go with them aren't available until later. What would happen, if by some chance, we were attacked by those things? I don't think I need to describe the outcome to you." He paused, wanting the engineer to soak the information he had just stated. "The purpose of KOS-MOS' deployment was to address this issue. Or am I mistaken?"
"N-No, Sir..." Shion timidly verified as she silently braced herself for the upcoming storm now that the calm had passed.
"Listen," Cherenkov turned to the Chief Engineer, "you're not in a laboratory anymore." His tone rose, "You're on a warship. This is a battlefield! KOS-MOS was supposed to be our frontline defense here, and now you're telling us it hasn't even woken up yet!" Cherenkov, by now, was already all but shouting in frustration. "There's no point in having a weapon that can't even get out of bed! That thing's only meaningful to us when it's fully operational! Why can't you..."
"Let it go, Commander." Moriyama smoothly intervened. "These people are working under serious time constraints, just like our own squadron." He glanced at the forlorn engineer, "Besides, they're only one step away from actual field testing. In the end, we all want to see this operation completed without having to resort to that thing, don't we?"
"Of course, Captain, but I believe..." Cherenkov's argue was halted as his UMN phone beeped. "...Arg!" Irritation was evident on his face. "Who's calling me..." The look wavered to distress as he read the message.
Moriyama creased his eyebrows in worry, "Is there a problem?"
"Oh, uh, no." Cherenkov tensely replied. He pocketed the phone, "Something urgent's come up... If you will excuse me." The Commander swiftly retreated out the bridge.
Moriyama stared after Cherenkov, not understanding the man's sudden shift of mood. "I wonder what's wrong."
"I don't know..." Shion dazedly responded.
"Well, never mind." The Captain leveled his eyes on Shion. "That's enough for today, Chief Uzuki. Let me know if any new development arise."
"I'm sorry we failed to meet your expectation," Shion timidly stated.
"Oh, there's no need to apologize. What's important to us is how reliable the system is once we've start using it. Rushing the project won't get us anywhere. So just calm down and take as much time as you need. The government's funding it all, anyway, right?" Moriyama offered a kind smile before he continued, "You must be tired. Take the rest of the day off.
With a deep bow of gratitude, the engineer accepted the Captain's dismissal, gathered KOS-MOS' data, and left the bridge.
Chief Uzuki of Vector First R&D Division, you have a package from Vector HQ. Please claim your package at the AGWS hangar as soon as possible.
Shion was startled by the ship's announcement that blared though the air as soon as she reached the lower corridor. She considered disregarding the message but an odd tickle of sensation told her otherwise. With a shrug, she proceeded to the mentioned hangar as instructed.
"You're from Vector, right? There's a package for you. It's addressed to Miss Uzuki." The employee in charge stated to Shion once she entered the expansive hangar. "It looks dangerous, so be careful when handling it." He notified after he confirmed the identity of the brunette woman.
Shion scrutinized the parcel and discovered that it contained none other than the MWS, the weapon she had utilized during her previous Encephalon dive. She gave it a thoughtful look, "I guess Miyuki still intends to use me as her guinea pig." Not that she minded the notion much. Who knows? Perhaps, it may prove useful later on. After she offered her thanks to the employee, Shion then continued on and journeyed towards her room, all the while not having the faintest clue just how accurate her thoughts had been.
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AN: This is to notify that during the entirety of this novelization, a couple of lines shall be added, omitted, and/or edited. The game's plot shall not be distorted due to the alteration of the lines. That is all.